German 103 provides a review of the fundamental components of the German language for students who have had German language instruction before entering the University of Michigan. Students will systematically develop their ability to understand spoken and written German, and to speak and write German themselves. Students will also learn about a broad range of aspects of German culture.

While children may be good at picking up a new language when living in the culture, adults are much better at learning languages in the classroom. The course aims to take advantage of this by helping students to develop effective language learning strategies, and by providing students with a wide range of tools and resources to help them learn. These include:

• Online video lectures introducing new structures for each chapter, accompanied by online comprehension check exercises or worksheets. See Darth Vader explain the Imperative at https://resources.german.lsa.umich.edu/ger101/video04/
• Online vocabulary practice materials, including Quizlet
• A "German Lab" where students can practice their German or get help with homework or any questions they have, Monday - Thursday 1-4
• Two weekly conversation hours, including a "Schokoladenstunde" with games and German chocolate. Additional conversation hours are hosted by the German House. (These conversation hours normally only take place in the Fall and Winter semesters)
• A popular children's book (Oh, wie schön ist Panama) integrated into the curriculum.
• A variety of video materials integrated into the curriculum.
• Detailed review sheets to help with preparation for tests
• Cartoons and a compilation of "Videos zum Spaß" ["videos for fun"] providing informal reinforcement of concepts from class

By the end of the course, students will be able to cope with a variety of conversational situations and written texts. In particular, they will have the necessary "survival skills" for a visit to a German-speaking country, as well as a foundation for doing basic intellectual work in German. Students will have expanded their perspective on cultural differences, and developed their ability to engage open-mindedly, but also critically, with cultural differences they encounter, both at home and abroad.

The full syllabus for German 103 is available at https://resources.german.lsa.umich.edu/kursseiten/

Course Requirements:

Course requirements include chapter tests and a final exam, two informal oral tests, a final role play, essays, class participation, and regular homework assignments.

Class Format:

In person.